Key Takeaways

  • You can perform an LLC lookup in Massachusetts through the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Corporations Division website using entity name, individual name, or filing number.
  • The Massachusetts Entity Database provides detailed public information on business type, organization date, registered agent, and filings.
  • When forming an LLC in Massachusetts, you must file a Certificate of Organization and appoint a registered agent with a physical in-state address.
  • LLCs must comply with naming rules, annual report filings, and the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) beneficial ownership reporting requirements.
  • Massachusetts LLC owners benefit from limited liability protection but must maintain proper compliance to avoid dissolution or penalties.

Massachusetts' Entity Database

An LLC lookup, MA, is performed when an individual desires to find information about an LLC in the state of Massachusetts. The Secretary of State has a streamlined process for performing this search online. 

Individuals may search for entities by the following:

  • LLC Name
  • Name of an individual associated with the business
  • ID number
  • Filing number

Massachusetts Secretary of State Corporation Entity Search

The Massachusetts SOS (Secretary of State) allows individuals to perform entity searches via the LLC database and name reservations. 

If you find the entity you're looking for, you'll be able to view the following information:

  • LLC name
  • Type of organization (LLC, Corp, etc.)
  • ID Number
  • Organization date
  • Formation date
  • Fiscal month and year
  • Main office location
  • Name of Registered Agent 
  • Address for Registered Agent
  • LLC officers.
  • LLC members.
  • Any filed documents with the SOS

You can look up different types of entities, including the following:

  • Corporations
  • LLCs or Limited Liability Companies. 
  • LPs or Limited Partnerships. 
  • LLPs or Limited Liability Partnerships. 

In order to perform a search, you must first visit the SOS website for Massachusetts. Then choose which database you would like to search:

  • Corporations Database (where you'll find formed LLCs)
  • Name Reservations (not-yet-formed LLCs)
  • Rejected Filings
  • Corporation Card Files

Then perform the search by entering the LLC name or one of the options previously listed.

The search will return previews of the information you're looking for, like the business name and ID number. If you see what you're looking for, click on the name to view the information available for that entity. 

Steps to Form an LLC in Massachusetts

To legally establish an LLC in Massachusetts, business owners must complete several key steps with the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Corporations Division:

  1. Choose a unique business name.
    Ensure your desired name complies with Massachusetts naming requirements and is available through the entity search tool.
  2. Appoint a registered agent.
    Every LLC in Massachusetts must designate a registered agent with a physical address in the state to receive legal and tax correspondence.
  3. File the Certificate of Organization.
    Submit this form online or by mail to the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The filing fee is typically $500. The certificate includes your LLC’s name, office address, agent information, and business purpose.
  4. Create an Operating Agreement.
    While not required by law, an operating agreement outlines ownership, management structure, and profit distribution. It helps prevent disputes among members.
  5. Obtain an EIN.
    Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax filing and business banking purposes.
  6. File the Annual Report.
    Massachusetts requires every LLC to file an annual report with a $500 filing fee by the anniversary of formation. Failing to file may result in administrative dissolution.
  7. Comply with Local and Federal Rules.
    Depending on your business type, you may need local licenses, zoning approvals, or special permits. New LLCs must also comply with federal beneficial ownership reporting requirements (see below).

LLC Name Search

When choosing a name for your own LLC, you will want to perform a name search. LLC names in the state of Massachusetts have to be completely original (no repeats) and must adhere to name requirements. 

Because there can be no repeats, you'll want to search for your desired name to see if any other LLCs already exist with that name. 

Head to the Massachusetts SOS website and type in your desired LLC name under the search of the Corporations Database. 

If the results return any LLCs with your desired name, you know that the name is not available for use. 

When performing the search follow these tips for the best results:

  • Do not add punctuation.
  • Leave out endings like "Inc." or "LLC."
  • Don't worry about capitalization.
  • Select "Begins with" as the search type.

You'll want to be sure that your desired name is not similar to the names of any existing LLCs, so be sure to perform additional searches using the first one or two words of your name. 

To get a wider range of results, enter the beginning of the first word. For instance, if your desired name is "Breadmaking Masters LLC," perform a search for "bread."

If you find similar names but no exact matches to your desired LLC name, you can file the paperwork to find out for sure if the name is available. 

The Secretary of the Commonwealth will let you know if the desired name is unavailable and will simply ask you to change it.

Search By Individual

If you are looking for information on a particular LLC but aren't sure of the name of the entity, you can perform an individual search. 

Head to the SOS website LLC search page for corporations and choose the option to search by an individual's name. Type in the full name of someone associated with the LLC you are interested in. 

The search results will look the same as if you performed a search by the LLC name. The same information is available for each entity. 

Search By ID or Filing Number

You may also search by the LLC's ID or filing number. On the same search page previously mentioned, choose the box for ID number or filing number next to the search field. Enter the number and click on "search corporations." 

If you've entered a valid number for an existing entity, the results will take you directly to the business's information page. 

Massachusetts LLC Annual Reports and Compliance

All LLCs operating in Massachusetts must maintain good standing by filing an Annual Report each year. This report updates the Secretary of the Commonwealth on any changes to the business’s address, members, or registered agent.

  • Filing Method: Online via the Corporations Division website or by mail.
  • Fee: $500 for domestic and foreign LLCs.
  • Deadline: Due on or before the anniversary date of the LLC’s formation.
  • Consequences of Noncompliance: Failure to file can result in administrative dissolution, forfeiture of limited liability protection, and loss of the right to transact business in Massachusetts.

Additionally, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires most LLCs formed or registered in Massachusetts to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This report discloses individuals who directly or indirectly control or own 25% or more of the LLC. The deadline varies depending on when the LLC was formed:

  • Existing LLCs (before 2024): File by January 1, 2025.
  • New LLCs (formed in 2024 or later): File within 90 days of formation.

Noncompliance can result in civil fines or criminal penalties.

Massachusetts LLC Name Requirements

The following requirements must be followed when choosing a name for your LLC in Massachusetts:

  • "LLC" or "L.L.C." must follow the name you choose.
  • Your name may not use the words "Corporation" or "Incorporate" (or their abbreviated forms).
  • The name must be unique from other LLCs in the state

Maintaining and Closing a Massachusetts LLC

To keep your Massachusetts LLC in good standing, you must maintain compliance with both state and federal requirements. This includes:

  • Timely Annual Report Filings: Submit annual reports and pay the associated fee.
  • Registered Agent Updates: If your agent changes, update the Secretary of the Commonwealth immediately.
  • Tax Filings: Register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue for state taxes and file federal returns as applicable.
  • Dissolution Process: If you choose to close your LLC, file a Certificate of Cancellation with the state. This officially terminates the business and ends future reporting obligations.

Failing to formally dissolve the LLC could lead to continued tax liabilities and penalties.

Benefits of Forming an LLC in Massachusetts

Forming an LLC in Massachusetts provides several advantages for small business owners and entrepreneurs:

  • Limited Liability Protection: Members are generally not personally responsible for business debts or lawsuits.
  • Flexible Taxation Options: By default, an LLC is treated as a pass-through entity, but members can elect S-Corp status for potential self-employment tax savings.
  • Simplified Management: Massachusetts LLCs can be managed by members or managers, allowing flexibility in daily operations.
  • Enhanced Credibility: Registering as an LLC demonstrates professionalism to clients and lenders.
  • Ease of Formation: The online filing system makes it simple to establish and manage an LLC in Massachusetts with minimal red tape.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I find out if an LLC name is available in Massachusetts?
    Use the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Corporations Division search tool to check if your desired name is already in use.
  2. How long does it take to form an LLC in Massachusetts?
    Online filings are usually processed within 1–2 business days, while mailed submissions may take up to two weeks.
  3. What is the annual cost to maintain an LLC in Massachusetts?
    The annual report filing fee is $500, and additional costs may apply for registered agent services or professional assistance.
  4. Do Massachusetts LLCs pay state taxes?
    LLCs with income in Massachusetts are subject to the state income tax on their earnings. Single-member LLCs report income through their personal tax return, while multi-member LLCs file Form 3 with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
  5. What happens if I don’t file my annual report or CTA BOI report?
    Failure to comply may lead to administrative dissolution by the state and civil or criminal penalties for missing the federal beneficial ownership filing requirement.

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